Charles Barkley might have one or two criticisms about LeBron James, but he believes the NBA scoring leader is one of the greatest to ever do it. The 76ers legend has given James his flowers on a few occasions, but surprisingly this time, he put him one step ahead of Michael Jordan without any hesitation. There is only one reason behind it. 

Barkley joined ESPN’s Stephen. A. Smith for an interview about the 4x champion, where he revealed. “I think Michael Jordan is a greater player but I think LeBron’s story is arguably the greatest story in sports, because, out of of all of the guys in high school who came to the NBA, he was actually the only one who was ready.”

Barkley believes no 18-year-old did it best like the Los Angels Lakers superstar. Notably, the 1993 MVP gave a comparison too. He continued, “As great as Kobe Bryant was, he struggled early. Kevin Garnett struggles, McGrady struggles. I think those three are the best high school players who went direct to the NBA…LeBron was the only one who was ready.” 

As a teenager in the NBA, James has the best possible resume. In his first year as a rookie, he was a starter for the Cavaliers. He averaged nearly 21 points out of the 79 games he played. In the very next season, it excelled to 27 points and later 31 points. On the other hand, like Barkley said, Bryant was having a tough time in the early years. He had an average of 7 and 15 in his first two seasons.

So this brings us to the ultimate question, who is Barkley’s GOAT? He did reveal once it was Michael Jordan. What is his stance now?

Charles Barkley addresses the GOAT debate after LeBron James becomes the scoring leader

Barkley had to dig the GOAT conversation once again after James’s historic night last year. However this time, he had to even it out between not two, but three legends of the game. Michael Jordan was there obviously. LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also got their flowers interestingly.

Barkley shared, “Kareem was the greatest in his generation, MJ was the greatest in his generation, and LeBron’s been the greatest in his generation…You can’t compare eras”. Well, the 1993 MVP himself said it.

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Who do you think is the GOAT? Do you agree with Barkley? Share your take in the comments below.